Lasting Connection
Accessing Our Services Through Medicare Pathways
A Guide for Clients & Families
Depending on your circumstances, there are several funding pathways that reduce the cost of your appointments with our Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists.
This guide explains the main pathways available through Medicare. If you have questions, please contact our team.
Summary: Funding Pathways
Use the table below to find the pathway most relevant to your situation:
Pathway
Who It’s For
Sessions
Referral From
Chronic Disease Management (CDM)
People with a chronic medical condition managed by a GP
Up to 5 sessions/year
GP (Medicare)
Better Access to Mental Health Care
People experiencing a mental health condition
Up to 10 sessions/year
GP, Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plans
What Is a CDM Plan?
A Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, sometimes called a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement, is a Medicare-funded pathway that allows people living with a chronic or complex condition to access a range of allied health services at a reduced cost.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for a CDM plan, you must:
- Have a chronic medical condition that has been, or is likely to be, present for at least six months (e.g. diabetes, chronic pain, autism, heart disease, neurological conditions, or developmental disorders)
- Be under the ongoing care and management of a GP / Doctor
- Require coordinated care from two or more healthcare providers
What Can Be Accessed at The Barna Co?
Under a CDM plan, Medicare provides a rebate for up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year (January to December). At The Barna Co, CDM plans can be used with:
- Speech Pathology
- Occupational Therapy
A gap fee will apply depending on your appointment type. Please contact our team for current fee information.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Book an appointment with your local GP / Doctor and discuss your condition.
Step 2: Your local GP / Doctor will prepare a GP Management Plan and a Team Care Arrangement if two or more providers are involved.
Step 3: They can assist with a referral and determine the most appropriate Allied Health Care Support.
Step 4: Should you wish to utilise our team, contact us with your referral, and we will help you book your appointments.
Good to know
- CDM sessions reset each calendar year on 1 January.
- You can access up to 5 sessions in total across all allied health providers, not 5 per provider.
- Sessions with psychologists under this plan are available, but please note a separate pathway (Better Access) is often more suitable for mental health concerns.
Better Access to Mental Health Care
What Is the Better Access Program?
The Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative is a Medicare program that provides subsidised access to mental health professionals, including psychologists, for people experiencing a mental health condition. It is one of the most used Medicare pathways for psychology services in Australia.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for Better Access if:
- You have been assessed by a doctor as having a mental health condition (e.g. anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, adjustment disorders, or eating disorders) or ADHD.
- Your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician has prepared a Mental Health Treatment Plan for you
How Many Sessions Are Available?
Under Better Access, you can access up to 10 individual sessions with a psychologist per calendar year. These are structured as follows:
- Your referring doctor provides an initial referral for up to 6 sessions
- After your 6th session, you return to your doctor for a review
- If ongoing support is recommended, a further 4 sessions can be authorised (up to the 10-session annual cap)
What Is Covered at The Barna Co?
Our Psychologists at The Barna Co are registered with Medicare and able to see clients referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A gap fee will apply. Our current fees are listed further down this page.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Book an appointment with your local GP / Doctor, psychiatrist, or paediatrician and discuss your mental health concerns.
Step 2: Your doctor will assess your needs and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Step 3: They can assist with a referral and determine the most appropriate Allied Health Care Support.
Step 4: Contact us with your referral and we will help you book your appointments.
- Good to know
Better Access is specifically designed for mental health support; it is separate from a CDM plan. - Group therapy sessions may also be available under this program.
- Children and adolescents can access Better Access with a referral from a GP or paediatrician.
Appointment Costs Schedule
Fees below are based on standard 1-hour appointment.
Session Type
Upfront Fee
Medicare Rebate
Net Contribution
Psychology
$240
$98.95
$141.05
Speech & Language
$200
$61.80
$138.20
Occupational Therapy
$200
$61.80
$138.20
Once your invoice is paid, The Barna Co will process the claim on your behalf. You will be provided with the Medicare statement of claim & benefit payment document.
Medicare rebates can only be claimed with a valid referral and attendance at the appointment.
Still have questions?
Not sure which pathway is right? Our team is here to help you work it out.
Call or email our team, we are happy to help provide further information without any commitment and we can help point you in the right direction.
Disclaimer
The information in this document is intended as a general guide only and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Medicare rebates and funding arrangements are subject to change. Please consult your GP or our team for advice specific to your circumstances. The Barna Co is not responsible for decisions made solely based on this guide.